ALL trains from Scotland to London have been cancelled following a fire beside train tracks and an extreme heatwave.
The West Coast Main Line, which was open until Tuesday afternoon, has shut for the rest of the day, following a fire beside the line caused when 25,000 volt overhead cables fell in Harrow, London.
The East Coast Main Line, which connects Edinburgh, Newcastle, York and London, was scheduled to be cancelled on Monday and Tuesday due to extreme temperatures, which have seen record highs set in Scotland as England was issued its first-ever red heat warning.
All trains to and from London Euston have been cancelled and passengers intending to travel there today are advised to change their plans.
James Dean, Network Rail’s West Coast South route director, said: “As predicted the extreme temperatures have impacted the overhead cables on the West Coast main line and all trains have had to be stopped at Harrow in North London.
“Please follow our ‘do not travel’ message today as journeys are being severely impacted.
“Once the emergency services give us the go-ahead we will work as fast as we can to restore the railway lines.
“We’re sorry to people impacted and we’re working as fast as we can to get things back up and running.”
Avanti West Coast passengers with tickets dated for Monday, July 18 or Tuesday, July 19 who cannot travel are entitled to a full refund via their point of purchase.
Alternatively, their tickets will be valid on Wednesday, July 20 or Thursday, July 21.
Avanti was approached for comment.
